A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It’s home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice. Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband.

On the cusp of the greatest announcement humankind has ever witnessed, Todd’s personal world is thrown into turmoil when his estranged brother shows up on his front porch with news of ships heading for Earth’s orbit. The ships are holding the Nentraee, a humanoid race who have come to Earth in need of help after fleeing the destruction of their homeworld. How will one man bridge the gap for both the Humans and Nentraee, amongst mistrust, terrorist attacks and personal loss? Will this be the start of a new age of man or will bigotry and miscommunication bring this small world to its knees and final end?

They were busy with cleanup, not paying attention to the television, until they recognized what sounded like a special bulletin. Getting into the living room, they fell silent watching the TV. Reporters jockeyed for attention from the press secretary in the White House briefing room.

“If they’re going to make an announcement, isn’t it usual for the press secretary to tell us what the topic is?” one of the reporters questioned, her voice raised so she could be understood. “Particularly one called without advance notice.”

“The president informed me about the address an hour ago,” Press Secretary Frank Chen said to a visibly annoyed member of the press. “The president will address the nation and Congress tomorrow night at eight eastern time.”

Jumping on the end of his sentence, a female reporter shouted, “Does this have to do with the troop movements in Europe and Asia?”

“Yes, President Zachary will be addressing the troop rotations and provide an update on military movements,” Chen answered. “Next question, please.”

Todd turned to Jerry who was focused on the television. He would have thought he was a statue if it wasn’t for his breathing.

“What about FEMA?” A female reporter yelled at the press secretary to get his attention. “FEMA has been reported outside of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O’Hare. They report they are conducting practice disaster emergency responses, but reports say they look like they are staging for something.”

Chen’s face brightened with a smile. “FEMA conducts regular joint exercises with city and state officials all the time. Those are the three busiest airports in the country. It only makes sense for FEMA to practice disaster response with them on occasion to ensure we are prepared. Next question.”

“Will the president—” A male reporter leaped out of his seat to be heard over the other reporters shouting for attention. “—address the reports of the UN peacekeepers going in and sealing the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory on the Canary Islands? We’ve been told that the White House made the request. Is that true?”

“I have no information on that,” Chen answered sharply. He nodded to an aide, “Last question.” He pointed to another reporter.

The older reporter stood. “We’ve heard reports that President Zachary has been meeting privately with several leaders in Europe. He’s also met with the Japanese Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Chinese Premier. Is he going to be announcing a shift in our strategy toward China?”

“As you know, the president meets with world leaders on a regular basis—”

“All in the last week?” the older reporter interrupted.

“As I said, the president meets with world leaders on a regular basis. He is not announcing any shifts in policy toward our friends in China. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have nothing more to share.” With that, Mr. Chen left the podium and headed off stage.

Jerry bit his lower lip and Todd shifted back and forth on his feet.

The camera returned to Tonya Smith. “For those of you joining us, late-breaking news from the White House. President Zachary has announced that he will be addressing the nation tomorrow night at eight eastern. As we get more details, we’ll bring them to you. Now back to The Lineup with Kimberly Guilfoyle.”
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Jerry crossed his arms. “Huh. Your brother might not be crazy or lying.” Jerry’s face was pale, and his eyes were wide. “I’m not sure what’s happening, but I’m glad we got stuff for the house.” He reached for Todd’s hand as they continued watching the TV.

​About M.D. Neu

M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he's always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.

Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.

When M.D. Neu isn't writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of eighteen plus years.